Searching Smarter Podcast: How To Stand Out As An Applicant In Today's ‘Mass-Apply’ Market

It's never been easier to apply for a job, yet securing one has never felt more difficult.

In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, host Jesse Skaff spoke with Jennifer Shappley, former VP of Talent at LinkedIn, about how candidates can stand out in a hyper-competitive, AI-driven job market. Drawing on over two decades of experience building global talent teams, Jennifer shares practical, actionable advice on how professionals can sharpen their approach and align with what top employers are really looking for.

What you’ll learn:

• Why applying to more jobs might be hurting your chances
• How to use AI to identify your strengths - and stand out strategically
• What optimising your LinkedIn profile really means in 2025
• Where most networking efforts fall flat, and how to fix them
• Why curiosity and critical thinking matter more than ever

Whether you’re actively searching or starting to plan your next move, this conversation offers clear direction for job seekers looking to navigate the modern hiring process with confidence.

Want more?

At the Searching Smarter podcast, we speak to the brightest and boldest minds in financial sciences & services. From talent acquisition leaders and hiring managers to world-class professionals, we delve into all the ways they leverage top talent to drive their businesses forward. Listeners will walk away with expert guidance on how to attract, acquire and retain high-performing teams, as well as what it takes to be a part of one.

It's available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.​ So listen, learn, and let us know what you think.